EXFO FLS-240 User manual

User Guide
Pocket Pal Visual Fault Locator
FLS-240

ii FLS-240
Copyright © 2003–2013 EXFO Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this
publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted
in any form, be it electronically, mechanically, or by any other means such
as photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written
permission of EXFO Inc. (EXFO).
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However, no responsibility is assumed by EXFO for its use nor for any
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its use. No license is granted by implication or otherwise under any patent
rights of EXFO.
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Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is 0L8C3.
The information contained in this publication is subject to change without
notice.
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EXFO’s trademarks have been identified as such. However, the presence
or absence of such identification does not affect the legal status of any
trademark.
Units of Measurement
Units of measurement in this publication conform to SI standards and
practices.
Version number: 3.0.0.

Pocket Pal iii
Contents
Certification Information ....................................................................................................... iv
1 Introducing the FLS-240 Pocket Pal Visual Fault Locator ........................... 1
Main Features .........................................................................................................................1
Conventions ............................................................................................................................3
2 Safety Information ....................................................................................... 5
3 Operating Your Pocket Pal ........................................................................... 7
4 Maintenance and Troubleshooting ............................................................. 9
Cleaning the Connector Adapter ............................................................................................9
Replacing Batteries .................................................................................................................9
Contacting the Technical Support Group ..............................................................................10
Transportation ......................................................................................................................10
Recycling and Disposal (Applies to European Union Only) ....................................................11
5 Warranty ..................................................................................................... 13
General Information .............................................................................................................13
Liability .................................................................................................................................14
Exclusions .............................................................................................................................15
Certification ..........................................................................................................................15
Service and Repairs ...............................................................................................................16
EXFO Service Centers Worldwide ..........................................................................................17
A Technical Specifications ............................................................................. 19

Certification Information
iv FLS-240
Certification Information
North America Regulatory Statement
This unit was certified by an agency approved in both Canada and the
United States of America. It has been evaluated according to applicable
North American approved standards for product safety for use in Canada
and the United States.
Electronic test and measurement equipment is exempt from FCC part 15,
subpart B compliance in the United States of America and from ICES-003
compliance in Canada. However, EXFO Inc. makes reasonable efforts to
ensure compliance to the applicable standards.
The limits set by these standards are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in
a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can
radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance
with the user guide, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely
to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to
correct the interference at his own expense.
Modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void the
user's authority to operate the equipment.

Certification Information
Pocket Pal v
European Community Declaration of Conformity
Page 1 of 1
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
Application of Council Directive(s): 2004/108/EC –The EMC Directive
93/68/EEC –CE Marking
And their amendments
Manufacturer’s Name and Address:
EXFO Inc. EXFO Europe
400 Godin Avenue Omega Enterprise Park, Electron Way
Quebec City, Quebec Chandlers Ford, Hampshire
G1M 2K2 CANADA SO53 4SE ENGLAND
Tel.: [phone] Tel.: [phone]
Equipment Type/Environment: Test & Measurement / Industrial
Trade Name/Model No.: Visual Fault Locator / FLS-240 Pocket Pal
Standard(s) to which Conformity is declared:
EN 61326-1:2006
Electrical equipment for measurement, control and laboratory use –
EMC requirements
–Part 1: General requirements
EN 60825-1:2007 Edition 2.0
Safety of laser products –Part 1: Equipment classification and
requirements
I, the undersigned, hereby declare that the equipment specified above conforms to the above Directive and Standards.
Manufacturer:
Stephen Bull, E. Eng
Vice-President Research and Development
400 Godin Avenue,
Quebec City, Quebec
G1M 2K2 CANADA
October 20, 2009

Pocket Pal 1
1 Introducing the FLS-240
Pocket Pal Visual Fault Locator
Main Features
The Pocket Pal is a visual fault locator that emits a pulsating or continuous
(CW) bright red laser signal, often visible through the patchcord jacket, at
the exact fault location, in both singlemode and multimode fibers.
On/off
button
Protective cap
Battery
cover
Snap hook loop
Adapter
Pulse/continuous
button

Introducing the FLS-240 Pocket Pal Visual Fault Locator
2FLS-240
Main Features
Your Pocket Pal can be used in different ways, including the following:
Detecting breaks in OTDR
dead zone
Detecting defective connectors
Highlighting sharp bends
where losses occur
Ensuring end-to-end fiber
identification in multifiber
cables
Optimizing mechanical/fusion
splices
Detecting major scratches on
connector surfaces

Introducing the FLS-240 Pocket Pal Visual Fault Locator
Pocket Pal 3
Conventions
Conventions
Before using the product described in this guide, you should understand
the following conventions:
WARNING
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
could result in death or serious injury. Do not proceed unless you
understand and meet the required conditions.
CAUTION
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
may result in minor or moderate injury. Do not proceed unless you
understand and meet the required conditions.
CAUTION
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
may result in component damage. Do not proceed unless you
understand and meet the required conditions.
IMPORTANT
Refers to information about this product you should not overlook.

Pocket Pal 5
2 Safety Information
WARNING
Do not install or terminate fibers while a light source is active.
Never look directly into a live fiber and ensure that your eyes are
protected at all times.
WARNING
The use of controls, adjustments and procedures other than those
specified herein may result in exposure to hazardous situations or
impair the protection provided by this unit.
IMPORTANT
When you see the following symbol on your unit , make sure
that you refer to the instructions provided in your user
documentation. Ensure that you understand and meet the required
conditions before using your product.
IMPORTANT
Other safety instructions relevant for your product are located
throughout this documentation, depending on the action to
perform. Make sure to read them carefully when they apply to your
situation.

Safety Information
6FLS-240
Your instrument is a Class 2M laser product in compliance with standards
IEC 60825-1: 2007 and 21 CFR 1040.10, except for deviations pursuant to
Laser Notice No. 50, dated June 24, 2007. Laser radiation is emitted at the
output port.
Natural aversion responses, including the blink reflex, usually provide
adequate eye protection. However, viewing the output may be more
hazardous if you use optics within the beam.
The following label(s) indicate that the product contains a Class 2M source:
Wavelength: 635 nm ±10 nm
Maximum output power at the connector: less than 1 mW
Sticker affixed on the
unit’s laser head

Pocket Pal 7
3 Operating Your Pocket Pal
To activate the Pocket Pal’s VFL:
1. Remove the protective cap.
2. Connect the fiber you want to use to the adapter. Ensure that the
connector is inserted all the way into the adapter.
3. Press the on/off button to turn the VFL laser on in pulsating mode.
4. If you want a continuous signal, press the red-circled button on the
safety sticker. Press it again to return to pulsating signal.
To deactivate the Pocket Pal’s VFL:
1. Press the on/off button again. Doing so also reverts signal to pulsating
mode.
2. Disconnect the fiber from the adapter.
3. Put the protective cap back in place to avoid damaging or dirtying the
adapter.
WARNING
When the VFL is activated, visible laser radiation is emitted from the
VFL port. Avoid exposure and do not stare directly into the beam.
31
2
4

Pocket Pal 9
4 Maintenance and
Troubleshooting
Cleaning the Connector Adapter
To prevent dust and dirt from entering the connector, always replace the
protective cap on the adapter when not in use. Clean the adapter using a
lint-free swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol (98 % pure or more). Then,
blow-dry with compressed air.
Replacing Batteries
Your Pocket Pal requires two AAA-size batteries to function.
To replace batteries:
1. Unscrew the push button to open the battery compartment.
2. Remove the old batteries and replace them with two new ones,
positive pole first.
3. Screw the push button back in place.
+
+

Maintenance and Troubleshooting
10 FLS-240
Contacting the Technical Support Group
Contacting the Technical Support Group
To obtain after-sales service or technical support for this product, contact
EXFO at one of the following numbers. The Technical Support Group is
available to take your calls from Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
(Eastern Time in North America).
For detailed information about technical support, and for a list of other
worldwide locations, visit the EXFO Web site at www.exfo.com.
To accelerate the process, please have information such as the name and
the serial number (see the product identification label), as well as a
description of your problem, close at hand.
Transportation
Maintain a temperature range within specifications when transporting the
unit. Transportation damage can occur from improper handling. The
following steps are recommended to minimize the possibility of damage:
Pack the unit in its original packing material when shipping.
Avoid high humidity or large temperature fluctuations.
Keep the unit out of direct sunlight.
Avoid unnecessary shocks and vibrations.
Technical Support Group
400 Godin Avenue
Quebec (Quebec) G1M 2K2
CANADA
1 866 683-0155 (USA and Canada)
Tel.: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
[e-mail]

Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Pocket Pal 11
Recycling and Disposal (Applies to European Union Only)
Recycling and Disposal
(Applies to European Union Only)
For complete recycling/disposal information as per European Directive
WEEE 2012/19/UE, visit the EXFO Web site at www.exfo.com/recycle.

Pocket Pal 13
5 Warranty
General Information
EXFO Inc. (EXFO) warrants this equipment against defects in material and
workmanship for a period of one year from the date of original shipment.
EXFO also warrants that this equipment will meet applicable specifications
under normal use.
During the warranty period, EXFO will, at its discretion, repair, replace,
or issue credit for any defective product, as well as verify and adjust the
product free of charge should the equipment need to be repaired or if the
original calibration is erroneous. If the equipment is sent back for
verification of calibration during the warranty period and found to meet all
published specifications, EXFO will charge standard calibration fees.
THIS WARRANTY IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES EXPRESSED,
IMPLIED, OR STATUTORY, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE
IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL EXFO BE LIABLE FOR
SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES.
IMPORTANT
The warranty can become null and void if:
unit has been tampered with, repaired, or worked upon by
unauthorized individuals or non-EXFO personnel.
warranty sticker has been removed.
case screws, other than those specified in this guide, have been
removed.
case has been opened, other than as explained in this guide.
unit serial number has been altered, erased, or removed.
unit has been misused, neglected, or damaged by accident.

Warranty
14 FLS-240
Liability
Liability
EXFO shall not be liable for damages resulting from the use of the product,
nor shall be responsible for any failure in the performance of other items to
which the product is connected or the operation of any system of which
the product may be a part.
EXFO shall not be liable for damages resulting from improper usage or
unauthorized modification of the product, its accompanying accessories
and software.